Get to know your Fed reps: Dave Hussey

15 September 2021

Dave Hussey is determined to make a difference for his colleagues as he embarks on his role as a West Mercia Police Federation workplace representative.

Dave, who has been a serving police officer for 19 years, became a rep earlier this year.

“I often gave advice to colleagues in an unofficial capacity as I knew where to go and find it or who to speak to,” he said.

“I’ve always had an interest in the Federation; in representing officers to make sure we are all treated fairly.

“Many people moan about the Fed but the representatives are there out of goodwill, trying to help everyone.

“In some ways, it’s one of those roles where you can make a difference and have some satisfaction that you have helped someone.”

What does Dave feel he brings to the role?

“Some would say a loud voice,” he said, “But mainly some kind of operational experience where I can understand and relate to many of my colleagues.

“I understand the pressures of what is actually happening on the street and I am able to feed back to the relevant people.”

But he admitted that being a rep is not without its challenges.

“One of the challenges is keeping everyone happy – which you can’t,” he said.

“I have had an increase in people contacting me on and off duty, so you need to strike a work-life balance around your private life and work.”

He added: “For the Federation, the challenge is gaining the trust and support of some of the officers that have been disappointed with the Fed at a national level following 2015 pension changes.”

Dave began his career with the Met in 2002.

“It was pretty much the last job on my list I was interested in,” he said, “I joined the police under the ‘Could you?’ campaign.”

He was transferred to West Mercia in 2008 and was posted to Worcester City response.

Dave moved to Leominster North Herefordshire in 2013 under the People Movement Plan and is still a response officer. 

He warns that issues around morale are a challenge for the Force and for officers and staff.

“Increasing the staff morale and making the officers feel like people and not just a number is a challenge for the Force,” he said.

“Many changes have been introduced to the Force over the last few years and they have not been greeted well. I think is due to poor communication from the Force and rushing things through. 

“And there’s continued increase scrutiny from the public and alike. No other job creates so much interest about what you do and what you don’t do, which can have a detrimental effect on officers and staff.”

His advice for new officers joining the Force is to keep learning.

“Every day is a school day,” said Dave, “No matter how much or little service someone has, we all bring ideas to the table.

“They might not always be the right ones at the time, but we learn and move on.”